The Department of Transportation is going green! They're working to recycle millions of pounds of scrap tires to make a newer, safer, and cheaper asphalt for highways.
Supporters call the efforts a win-win-win: a win for the state with cheaper, better roads, a win for the environment with the recycling of more scrap tires; and a win for you in the form of safer roads to drive on. Crumb rubber is also less noisy to drive on, and experts say it's best for use on highways, interstates, and highly-traveled roads.
Last year, the state of Georgia amended road construction rules to include recycled tire rubber as an alternative to higher-cost, oil-based production. Chairman Randy Nix, who authored the bill, says it's less expensive because the price of using polymer from the rubber is less than the price of petroleum.
And as it turns out, GDOT says they're discovering along the way that the change gives them better roads. Experts say it also absorbs better, and cuts down significantly on the amount of water that sprays up when it rains.
The change means countless scrap tires have a home. A mile of crumb rubber asphalt pavement takes 2,000 tires out of the landfill, so it's got a big green effect, too. GDOT believes it's the future, and there will be many more tires going into asphalt in the future.
Contractors say because of the change, they can now bid projects out further down the road and not wait to see what the price of oil will be. GDOT is expected to use millions of pounds of the recycled rubber for paving projects this year alone.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
Monday, June 17 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:08:03 GMT
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:40:01 GMT
AAA reports the ease of hands-free tech might make it easier for motorists to text, talk and post while they drive -- but that might be doing more harm than good.
AAA reports the ease of hands-free tech might make it easier for motorists to text, talk and post while they drive -- but that might be doing more harm than good.
Wednesday, June 5 2013 6:41 AM EDT2013-06-05 10:41:30 GMT
One organization is working to make Metro Atlanta streets safer for pedestrians and even encourage people to walk more.
One organization is working to make metro Atlanta streets safer and even encourage people to walk, as opposed to driving. Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety, or PEDS, is working to make Atlanta more walkable one street, intersection and crosswalk at a time.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-14 09:55:03 GMT
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Thursday, May 2 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-05-02 10:22:00 GMT
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, and help with congestion.
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, help with congestion, and are more cost efficient.
Thursday, April 25 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-04-25 10:44:36 GMT
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-04-17 10:13:56 GMT
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city.
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city. This past winter, Woodstock added the Ridgewalk Parkway exit to Interstate 575, and now a 370,000 square foot outlet mall plans to call the intersection home.
Friday, April 12 2013 6:23 AM EDT2013-04-12 10:23:43 GMT
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
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